Hey! I started making cookies around late 2023. And I have only made a handful of orders. These were my last sets from May 2024.
Its been a year and Im ready to make at least part time income. But I'm filled with fear. I don't know how to price my cookies and I don't know how to promote myself.
I was wondering if anyone has tried making an income just by being a cookie content creator? Or has anyone sold just in markets or for holidays?
by ItsNataBaka
5 Comments
I started my cookie business in late 2023 into mid 2024 until I moved states. I did pretty well just advertising on fb marketplace and local mom groups on fb. For pricing, I would suggest using google sheets/ excel to make a cost calculator and then input your recipe. It’s not that hard once you find a good tutorial on YouTube. You have a high skill level so I would also search on fbmp what others are charging and go with that or above. Ofc if your cost is less than what you’re selling for. At this time, I still can’t work out my hourly from start to finish to be profitable
Really great work!
It really varies on location sadly, even some of the most well done cookie decorators I know will keep their pricing lower than they deserve.
I personally have always kinda gone by word of mouth and shares. I’ve never posted on marketplace (people will ask you for cookies and expect them next day), Holidays are also helpful for people to try smaller order sizes & they’ll start coming back for events of their own. Tbh, I’d start there. Do sample cookies, make a preorder site (I use square) with a set pick up day, & make what is ordered (extras if you like!) I’ve never been one for markets personally bc unlike other types of crafts, cookies are perishable. I wasn’t much into let me work on an enormous amount of cookies for days not knowing if it will pay off and be left with extras I can’t sell. – some people do them tho and see a great return.
Don’t forget to factor in the amount of colors you use per set, I personally do 3-4 designs per order, so that I’m not making individual designs like your photo. Bc something like your work in the photo should no way be lower than $7-8 a piece(maybe even more if I’m honest).
Advertising in a mom group has a high probability of getting you stuck doing characters and that’s a lot of work, it will burn you out. They won’t see that a paw patrol set has 6 different dogs with 6 different color ranges, or a Toy Story set has two different color schemes when it comes to Woody vs Buzz. And in that regard the money might not pay off for the time involved.
Content can be some people’s bread and butter, but be aware of how commenters can be uplifting and down putting at the same time. You’ll have to build your following to get to the point of monetization etc
As for me, I charge by the dozen. It’s a personal choice because I’m not in this to educate people on what they think is of value or level of difficulty. I will do a dozen with a mix of age, name, theme nod & keep some things simpler vs others so it’s a mix of time, effort & product used(colors etc). I’d say if you wanted to go for a mix of designs don’t start lower than $5/cookie (especially with the grocery prices)
Factor in your packaging as well, people will say “it’s just a cookie, why is it $6” not accounting for the fact that you needed a bag, a sticker or stamp & a box.
I’m sorry if this feels overwhelming. Just remember your time is valuable, it’s not just a cookie, it’s your art that just so happens to be edible. The right people will pay what you set it as
Girl, these are so good. The skill is there. Do they taste good? If so then you can narrow down that your marketing is the issue.
Do you have a Facebook page? I hate it but it truly is where most of our customers are. Make up a cute name and logo.
Do you know who your customers are? Ours are 35+ women with kids/families. And they happen to be on Facebook (instead of instagram).
Next up is photos. I truly believe good photos make THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE. Clean background, natural light, nice and bright. As professional as possible.
My best friend and I do buttercream only so it’s a little different. But holiday presales are major for us. We come up with the design/offering, bake it, photograph it and do a nice write up and open up orders. It’s way more profitable for us when we can bake in bulk this way.
Also, post and make it look like you’re busy! Encourage word of mouth sharing. If you complete an order and they text to tell you they loved it say “Thanks so much! It means the world to me to hear that! If you know anyone else that needs cookies, please send them my way!”
To get started back up you might need to make some practice sets (not that you need practice) so that you have examples and content to post. Now is a great time to do a 4th of July set to post. Give your practice sets to friends and family and ask them to spread the word or you can try a flash sale (post a pic and say “I’ve got one dozen extra July 4th cookies up for grabs! Message to claim!” And sell them cheap to recoup costs)
For custom pricing, we tell people “custom cookies start at $36/dozen and go up based on complexity” and we custom quote each order.
I hope this is helpful. If you have any questions I’m happy to try to help! You have the skill and that is the hard part!
When I post to fbmp, it’s starting price per dozen! It’s definitely disheartening when someone says your price point is too high, but honestly, that’s not the customer you want anyway. I’ve turned people down bc they don’t want to prepay since I won’t do pay upon pick up. Sugar cookie marketing on fb is great! They also have a podcast (I listen on Spotify) that’s super helpful in giving you the courage to price how you should. They do a lot of preorders and “holiday” esc sales, so there’s another avenue compared to just custom sets.
Girl I will buy your cookies LOL
Sell them to MEEEEEEEEE